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How healthy is Germany?

DKV-Report 2025

Exercise, nutrition, stress management – how healthy is Germany’s lifestyle? The new DKV-Report provides answers, offering up-to-date, representative data on the population’s health behaviours. The findings reveal where we stand – and highlight where urgent action is needed.

You can download the DKV-Report in German here:

Key findings of the DKV-Report

Only 2% live entirely healthily


Exercise, nutrition, stress management, and abstaining from alcohol and nicotine – only very few meet all of these criteria.

Sitting at record levels


On weekdays, Germans sit for an average of over 10 hours a day – more than ever before. Prolonged sitting is considered a health risk.

Stress remains a major problem


Only 20% of respondents manage to deal with stress in a healthy way – the lowest figure since the survey began.

Physical activity: many inactive


68% of the population meet the WHO’s recommendations for physical activity. However, almost one in five remain completely inactive.

Widespread alcohol consumption


Only 29% completely abstain from alcohol– the new benchmark criterion significantly sharpens the focus on the associated risks.

Education promotes health


People with a university degree are more physically active, maintain healthiler diets, and manage stress more effectively.

Expert opinions and practical tips for a healthier life

25 August 2025

Navigating the Day with Less Stress

Prof. Ingo Froböse explains how targeted breaks, exercise, and structured routines help to effectively reduce stress and strengthen the body and mind in the long term.
Advisory
Man sitzt vor einem Computer Bildschirm

11 August 2025

Record levels of sedentary time in Germany

With an average of 9 hours and over 9 million minutes of sitting time per working day, we are literally sitting ourselves sick: However, with targeted movement breaks and the 45 10 5 principle by Prof. Ingo Froböse, we can sustainably break this inactivity.
Advisory
A man is sitting at a table and using a computer.

5 August 2025

The weaker self: Ways to a healthier life

Discover key findings from the latest DKV report on Germany's health crisis, featuring insights from Prof. Ingo Froböse and psychologist Sarah Siepelmeyer on exercise, diet, and overcoming the "weaker self" for better well-being.
//radar Interview
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Download the complete DKV-Report 2025 now

All data, graphics and analyses on health behaviours in Germany – concisely presented in the DKV-Report (German version).

DKV-Report 2025

Further information

Since 2010, the DKV-Report has been examining the health behaviours of people in Germany. The study regularly provides robust data on exercise, nutrition, stress, alcohol and nicotine consumption, as well as on emerging topics such as digital health literacy and preventative behaviours.

The current, eighth edition is based on more than 2,800 representative interviews and, for the first time, combines both telephone and online surveys to paint the most comprehensive picture of the population possible.

The DKV-Report is produced in scientific collaboration with Professor Ingo Froböse of the German Sport University Cologne, a renowned expert in exercise and prevention.

Frauke Fiegl

The figures in the DKV Report underline the need to step up efforts in prevention and health promotion.

Frauke Fiegl Chair of the Board of Management DKV Deutsche Krankenversicherung AG
Prof. Dr. Ingo Frohböse

If we want to remain vital and healthy throughout our lives, it cannot be achieved without regular training and plenty of physical activity.

Prof. Ingo Froböse German Sport University Cologne

Frequently asked questions

The current edition is based on 2,807 interviews with adults in Germany. For the first time, half of the interviews were conducted by telephone (CATI) and half online (CAWI), ensuring broad representation across society.

The current edition is based on 2,807 interviews with adults in Germany. For the first time, half of the interviews were conducted by telephone (CATI) and half online (CAWI), ensuring broad representation across society.

The criteria have been tightened: only complete abstinence from alcohol counts as meeting the benchmark. The aim is to reflect the health risks associated with alcohol consumption more accurately. The smoking benchmark now also includes e-cigarettes in order to respond to changing consumption patterns.

The report is aimed at the interested public, researchers, health professionals, policymakers, businesses and the media – its purpose is to inform, raise awareness and contribute to health promotion.

If you have any questions, please contact

Heike Linden

ERGO Group AG
Media Relations

Tel +49 211 477-4094 
heike.linden@ergo.de 
mediarelations@ergo.de

Heike Linden

Further Links

Press release

Read our press release on the DKV-Report 2025.

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Press kit

Download the DKV-Report (German version), the presentation for the press conference, as well as additional graphics and images here.

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Archive

Download the DKV-Report 2023 (German version) free of charge as a PDF file here.

Someone showing figures on a pad

Download the complete DKV-Report 2025 now

All data, graphics and analyses on health behaviours in Germany – concisely presented in the DKV-Report (German version).

DKV-Report 2025

Terms of use

The materials provided are protected by copyright. They may only be used in connection with reporting and communication relating to the DKV Report 2025. Please observe the licence conditions in the press kit.